Nato member Turkey reaffirms Brics ambitions amid transatlantic rifts

Turkey remains committed to becoming a full member of the Brics bloc, positioning itself as a bridge between Asia and Europe despite widening transatlantic rifts, according to the new Turkish ambassador to China.

Ankara, meanwhile, would continue to work with Beijing to deepen trade ties, promote high-level visits, expand cultural and academic exchanges and build political trust through dialogue on security, counterterrorism and other sensitive issues, the envoy told the South China Morning Post.

In an interview on January 24 during his first trip to Hong Kong, Selcuk Unal described the Brics grouping and its members as “rising economies” playing an increasingly important role across the world.

“That’s why we would really like to become a member one day,” Unal said, adding that the decision ultimately depended on the Brics members.

He presented his credentials to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last month after assuming the post in August last year. He previously served as ambassador to the Netherlands and Canada and as Turkey’s special envoy for Syria.

Turkey, a Nato member, officially applied for full Brics membership in 2024. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had repeatedly expressed interest in joining the group, said Turkey could become prosperous and respected if it “simultaneously develops relations with the East and West”.

Ankara was instead offered “partner country” status in 2024 amid reported concerns about how Turkey’s Nato membership would align with Brics, which sees itself as a counterweight to the Western-led global order.

South China Morning Post